Kevin Wade was born in Ireland, educated in Agricultural Sciences at University College Dublin (BScAgr, 1985; MScAgr, 1986), and obtained his PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University (1990). Following a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph, he was hired in McGill’s Department of Animal Science to fill an NSERC-Industry-funded position in Dairy Information Systems (1992). Wade has served at various levels of administration at McGill (including the Faculty’s Director of Continuing Professional Development, a Board Member of Valacta, and as a University Senator). He served as Chair of the Department of Animal Science from 2007 - 2018.
Use of computer technologies to help dairy producers make the most of the data that are generated on their farms so that they can improve their management systems.
Information systems in dairy cattle management
The use of artificial intelligence in the development of on-farm decision support
Data visualization techniques
Large data set manipulation
Current Research
Analysis of different profitability formulae as decision-making tools in Québec dairy herds.
Development of profitability analysis prototype with multidimensional benchmarks for dairy herds.
Animal Science: Introduction to the scientific principles underlying the livestock and poultry industries. Emphasis will be placed on the breeding, physiology and nutrition of animals raised for the production of food and fibre.
Animal Science: Overview of the Canadian Dairy and Beef industries with emphasis on products, environment, management systems, reproductive technologies, health, genetic improvement, automation, information recording and use of housing facilities and equipment. Field trips to dairy and beef farms as well as processing units included for illustration and application of concepts.
Offered by: Animal Science
Winter
Prerequisite: ANSC 250 - Principles of Animal Science, or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Not open to students having taken ANSC 450 or ANSC 452. Restricted to U2 or higher.
Animal Science: Introduction to concepts of an Information System and subsequent application to various scenarios in agriculture. Industry analysis in terms of users, goals, available data/information, communication, delivery structure, decision making, feedback, exploitation of technology and possible improvements using the Internet. Individual case studies and familiarisation with cutting-edge computer applications.
Farm Management Technology V.4: Introduction to animal breeding principles and nutrition. Emphasis is placed on improving population genetic potential and modes of genetic transmission. Provided is the importance of feed intake, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals & vitamins in livestock nutrition. Students are exposed to the basics of livestock ration balancing.
Offered by: Farm Mgmt & Technology Program
Terms
Winter 2021
Instructors
Yasmin D Schuermann
Publications
To view a list of current publications, please click here.